India's record in Test matches in Australia in the past has been very poor. They have not managed to win any Border Gavaskar Test series Down Under; in fact, they have won only two Tests in Australia in the last 20 years.

Except for the 2003-04 tour under the captaincy of Sourav Ganguly, when India drew the series 1-1, the Aussies have beaten India in all the other Border Gavaskar Trophy series held in Australia.

This time round however, the hosts will be fielding one of their weakest sides in recent times. With the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner due to a ban, the Aussies look quite an ordinary side on paper, especially when compared with the Indians.

Many former cricketers and experts feel that this is the best chance for India to win a Test series in Australia. That said, the Indians will have to put up a much better show than what they did in England if they want to fulfill their dream of winning a Test series in Australia.

Here, we look at the three most important factors that will most probably determine India's fate in the series.

#1: How the openers Prithvi Shaw, Murali Vijay and KL Rahul perform

England v India: Specsavers 5th Test - Day Two

India will be going into the series with three specialist Test openers, viz Prithvi Shaw, KL Rahul and Murali Vijay. The teenage sensation Shaw had a remarkable debut Test series against West Indies at home, and the team management would hope that he can replicate his form in Australia too.

For the second opener's slot, there will tough competition between KL Rahul and veteran Murali Vijay, who is making a comeback. Although Rahul has been very inconsistent of late, he is a match winner on his day.

For India have to do well in the series, the openers need to perform consistently. If the openers can see off the new ball, then it will become much easier for the other batsmen coming down the order.